Fluid management system

ABSTRACT

A fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/571,935, filed on Aug. 10, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/528,786, filed on Aug. 30, 2011. Theentire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a fluid management system and, moreparticularly, to a fluid management system for replacement of vehiclefluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid management systems in a vehicle are well known. Fluid managementsystems can be manual or automatic. Typically, fluid management systemshave one conduit connected to an area for used fluids to drain into, anda separate conduit and area for introducing new fluids into the vehicle.As nonlimiting examples, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,787,372, 6,286,626, 6,508,280,and 7,926,617 each disclose fluid management systems that includeseparate conduits and separate draining and supplying areas. The entiredisclosures of each of the above-mentioned patents are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The known fluid management systems are inconvenient and difficult for avehicle owner to use. For example, replacement of vehicle fluids oftenrequires the vehicle owner to drop off the vehicle at a vehicle servicecenter, which can be time consuming and may deter the vehicle owner fromchanging the vehicle fluids as often as recommended. Known fluidmanagement systems also occupy an unnecessary and inefficient amount ofspace in vehicles by including separate conduits, and separate drainingand supplying areas.

Additionally, typical fluid management systems are not environmentallyresponsible because the fluid containers and filters are not reusable.Furthermore, conventional fluid containers and filters contain at leasta minimal amount of used fluid even after they are emptied.

It is known that, where about thirty (30) separate quart containers ofmotor oil are allowed to gravity drain, about one (1) quart of motor oilremains uncollected within the containers. It has also been estimatedthat 3.2 billion quarts of motor oil are used each year, and that 200million gallons of used motor oil are not properly disposed of afteruse. Since just one gallon of used oil can contaminate millions ofgallons of potable water, improper disposal of used motor oil presents asignificant environmental hazard. Known means for collecting used oiland other fluids after removal from a vehicle have been found inadequateand undesirable.

There is a continuing need for a fluid management system that is easyfor vehicle owners and technicians to use, spatially efficient, andenvironmentally friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a fluid management systemthat is easy for vehicle owners and technicians to use, spatiallyefficient, and environmentally friendly, is surprisingly discovered.

The system of the present disclosure provides an easy to use means forexchanging or replacing fluids in a vehicle. The system does not requireadditional tools and is environmentally responsible. Where adopted for avariety of different fluids used by the vehicle, a bank of containershaving one container for each fluid, in different sizes, colors, and/orshapes, may be provided. Each container can be opened, for example, witha key or by hand by a certified technician or mechanic, or by an ownerof the vehicle. A self-contained, used cartridge may then be removedfrom the container and replaced with a new cartridge. The new cartridgecontains a fresh fluid. The new cartridge may also have a filter. Eachcontainer may have a fluid level gauge that is easy to read and permitsa topping-off of the container, as desired.

Advantageously, the system of the disclosure eliminates a need to raisea vehicle in order to change fluids such as motor oil. Instead, thecontainer is opened, the used cartridge is removed, a new cartridge isinserted. The container is closed, and fluid is caused to flow from thenew cartridge to the oil pan of the engine. The system provides thefurther advantage of minimizing the technician or mechanic's time inchange vehicle fluids, and makes vehicle fluid changing easy enough thatthe owner can change vehicle fluids without the assistance of a mechanicor technician.

The system may include additional features such as temperatureregulation systems for cooling or warming the fluid in the container.The system may include sensors in electrical communication with adisplay, for example, on a dashboard display of the vehicle, which showsinformation such as the fluid level in the vehicle and miles-to-replacethe fluid. A circulation of the fluids may also be initiated at any timeby actuation of a pump, in order to militate against dry start-ups ofthe vehicle. It should also be appreciated that fluid capacities can beeasily be changed by the size of the container selected, such that morefluid for a vehicle of a larger size may be used in comparison to thefluid used for a vehicle of a smaller size. In particular examples, suchas where the fluid is an engine coolant, the container may also have“locked-out” features that prevent one from opening the container andremoving the cartridge until a safe temperature of the fluid has beenreached.

Skilled artisans will also understand that the system of the presentdisclosure permits a superior recycling of vehicles fluids. Each usedfluid cartridge can be returned, restocked with fresh fluid, and given anew filter, if desired. The fluid cartridge can thereby be made readyfor a next use in the vehicle. Used fluid can be returned to themanufacturer, in the used fluid cartridge, for analysis and/or disposal.By reusing the fluid cartridge of the present disclosure, an undesirabledisposal of fluid containers (e.g., oil cans), and filter housings,which invariably contain a minor amount of used fluid even afteremptying, can be prevented. Thus, a source of environmentalcontamination can be mitigated by the present fluid management systemand method.

Where the system of the present disclosure is implemented into amanufacturer's lifecycle for the vehicle, the method may include anobtaining of a new fluid cartridge with fresh fluid at a vendingmachine, for example, at a big box store, an auto parts store, or at adealership. The vehicle such as a car, a truck, an airplane, a boat, afarm tractor, or a military vehicle, is then parked on a substantiallylevel surface. An engine of the vehicle is turned off, and the fluidpermitted to cool, when necessary, to a temperature permitting a saferemoval. In the engine compartment, a pump may be turned on in order tomove the used fluid, for example, oil, water, transmission fluid, etc.,from a fluid reservoir of the vehicle into a removable cartridge. Thepump is turned off, and then the used cartridge now containing the usedfluid is removed. The used cartridge is then replaced with the freshcartridge, and the fresh fluid is permitted to flow back into the fluidreservoir, e.g., an engine, a radiator or a transmission. The engine maythen be restarted, and the used fluid cartridge can be returned to thevendor, for example, for a refund and proper disposal or recycling.

In one embodiment, a fluid management system for a vehicle includes aremovable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to hold oneof a first fluid and a second fluid. The removable cartridge is in fluidcommunication with a fluid reservoir via a conduit. A first end of theconduit is in fluid communication with the removable cartridge. A secondend of the conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.The conduit is also in fluid communication with a fluid exchange pump.The first fluid is selectively transferable from the fluid reservoirthrough the conduit to the removable cartridge by an actuation of thefluid exchange pump. The second fluid is selectively permitted to flowfrom the removable cartridge through the conduit to the fluid reservoir.

In another embodiment, a method for managing fluid in a vehicle includesa step of providing a first removable cartridge. The first removablecartridge is placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir of thevehicle via a conduit. A first end of the conduit is in fluidcommunication with the first removable cartridge. A second end of theconduit is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The conduitis also in fluid communication with a fluid exchange pump. The fluidexchange pump is engaged to transfer a first fluid from the fluidreservoir, through the conduit, and into the first removable cartridge.The first removable cartridge is then replaced with a second removablecartridge, the second removable cartridge including a second fluid. Thenew fluid is then permitted to flow from the second removable cartridge,through the conduit, and into the fluid reservoir.

DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, particularly when considered in the light of thedrawings described hereafter.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid management system according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, showing a removable cartridge influid communication with an oil pan of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the fluid management system illustrated inFIG. 1, and shown without a filter inside the cartridge;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side cross-sectional view of theremovable cartridge taken at call out A in FIG. 1, showing a plug in aclosed position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side cross-sectional view of theremovable cartridge taken at call out A in FIG. 1, showing a plug in anopen position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side cross-sectional view of theremovable cartridge taken at call out B in FIG. 1, showing a plug handleof the removable cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fluid management system according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in fluidcommunication with a transmission of a vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fluid management system according to afurther embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in fluidcommunication with a radiator of a vehicle;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a bank of removable cartridges in avehicle, according to an additional embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a removable cartridge dispensing andexchange station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for managing fluid in a vehicleaccording to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe andillustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to makeand use the invention, and are not intended to limit the presentdisclosure, application, or uses. In respect of the methods disclosed,the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, isnot necessary or critical.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a fluid management system 2 for a vehicle,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1-5show the fluid management system 2 employed with an oil pan of thevehicle. FIG. 6 shows the fluid management system 2 employed with atransmission of the vehicle. FIG. 7 shows the fluid management system 2employed with a radiator of the vehicle. FIG. 8 shows the vehicle haveeach of the fluid management system 2 for each of the oil plan, thetransmission, and the radiator of the vehicle.

As nonlimiting examples, the fluid management system 2 can be used invehicles that require a regular fluid change such as a car, truck,airplane, tractor, and boat. These vehicles typically require regularreplacement of engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid, and thelike. The fluid management system 2 may also be used in any machine inwhich fluids are used. It should be understood that the fluid managementsystem 2 is not limited to the uses of the various embodiment shown, andthat other uses for the fluid management system 2 are also within thescope of the present disclosure.

The fluid management system 2 includes at least one removable cartridge4. The removable cartridge 4 may be disposed in a container 6. Theremovable cartridge 4 is configured to hold a fluid 7. The fluid 7 mayinclude one of a first fluid, such as a used fluid, and a second fluid,such as a new or fresh fluid for replacement of the used fluid. Theconduit 12 may be disposed through a base of the container 6, in orderto facilitate a gravity flow of the second fluid from the removablecartridge 4 in the container 6 when replacing the used first fluid 7with the new second fluid 7.

The fluid management system 2 further includes a fluid reservoir 8, afluid exchange pump 10, and a conduit 12. The fluid reservoir 8 istypically an engine oil pan or any container capable of housing thefluid 7. The fluid reservoir 8 may be any appropriate shape and size,and may be made from any material capable of withstanding thetemperatures associated with operation of the vehicle engine and theturbulence from the moving vehicle. Typically, the fluid reservoir 8 ismetal. A lid may be included with the fluid reservoir 8, or the fluidreservoir 8 may be permanently enclosed, as desired.

Although the fluid 7 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7 as being in both theremovable cartridge 4 and the fluid reservoir 8, it should be understoodthat the removable cartridge 4 may be empty prior to transferring theused first fluid 7 from the fluid reservoir 8 to the empty removablecartridge 4. Likewise, it should be understood that the removablecartridge 4 may be substantially full prior to transferring the newsecond fluid 7 form the removable cartridge 4 to the fluid reservoir 8,for purposes of replacing the fluid 7 in the fluid reservoir 8.

The fluid reservoir 8 is typically positioned at an elevation below anelevation of the removable cartridge 4 and the container 6. Placement ofthe fluid reservoir 8 below the removable cartridge 4 and the container6 allows the fluid exchange pump 10 to push the used first fluid 7against gravity and into the empty removable cartridge 4, while the newsecond fluid 7 from the removable cartridge 4 may pass through theconduit 12 and into the fluid reservoir 8 by means of gravity flow, andwithout the use of the fluid exchange pump 10.

The fluid exchange pump 10 may sit inside the fluid reservoir 8, beattached at the bottom of the fluid reservoir 8, or be disposed at anyother location that allows the fluid exchange pump 10 to pump fluid fromthe fluid reservoir 8, through the conduit 12. The fluid exchange pump10 may be capable of pumping fluid in more than one direction. A valvemay be included in the fluid exchange pump 10 to prevent fluid fromflowing in an undesired direction when the fluid exchange pump 10 is notactivated. The valve may be a one-way or check valve, for example. Incertain embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery powered fluidexchange pump, or an electrically powered fluid exchange pump may beused. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limitedto any particular type of pump.

The fluid exchange pump 10 is in fluid communication with the conduit12. The fluid exchange pump 10 may be disposed at least partially insideof the fluid reservoir 8 or outside of the fluid reservoir 8, asdesired. In particular, the fluid exchange pump 10 may be suitable forpumping the fluid 7 in a first direction toward the removable cartridge4, while also permitting gravity flow of the fluid 7 in a seconddirection, different from the first direction, back through the fluidexchange pump 10 and into the reservoir 8. One of ordinary skill in theart may selective suitable types and locations for the fluid exchangepump 10, as desired.

The fluid exchange pump 10 may further be in electrical communicationwith a controller 11. The controller 11 may include one or moreswitches, buttons, knobs, dials, or sensors that permit an operator,such as the vehicle owner, technician, or mechanic, to actuate the fluidexchange pump 10. The controller 11 may be in electrical communicationwith the fluid exchange pump 10 by one of a wired connection and awireless connection. Actuation of the fluid exchange pump 10 indifferent directions and at different or variable rates of flow may befacilitated by the controller 11. Other means for allowing the operatorto actuate the fluid exchange pump 10 may also be used within the scopeof the disclosure.

The conduit 12 provides fluid communication between the at least oneremovable cartridge 4 and the fluid reservoir 8. For example, theconduit 12 has a first end 13 that is in fluid communication with theremovable cartridge 4. The first end 13 may be disposed through thecontainer 6, or may be integral with the container 6, as desired. Asecond end 15 of the conduit is in fluid communication with the fluidreservoir 8. The second end 15 may be disposed through the fluidreservoir 8, or may be integral with the fluid reservoir 8, as desired.The first fluid is selectively transferable from the fluid reservoir 8through the conduit 12 to the removable cartridge 4, for example, by theactuation of the fluid exchange pump 10. The second fluid is selectivelypermitted to flow from the removable cartridge 4 through the conduit 12to the reservoir 8.

In certain embodiments, the second fluid is selectively permitted togravity flow to the fluid reservoir 8. For example, the removablecartridge 4 may be disposed within the vehicle at an elevation greaterthan an elevation of the fluid reservoir 8, in order to permit thegravity flow of the second fluid from the removable cartridge 4 to thefluid reservoir 8. In another embodiment the second fluid is selectivelypermitted to flow to the reservoir 8 by the actuation of the fluidexchange pump 10. Other means for transferring the second fluid to thereservoir 8 from the removable cartridge 4 may also be used within thescope of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the vehicle includes the container 6. The container 6may be mounted in the vehicle. For example, the container 6 may bedisposed in a location readily accessible to the owner of the vehicle, atechnician, or a mechanic, for purposes of changing the fluid 7 in thevehicle. The readily accessible location may be in an engine compartmentof the vehicle. The container 6 may be permanently or releasablypositioned under a hood of the vehicle, for example. The container 6 mayalso be disposed elsewhere on the vehicle, as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7, the conduit 12 provides fluidcommunication between the removable cartridge 4 and the fluid reservoir8. However, the container 6 may also be in fluid communication with theconduit 12 when the removable cartridge 4 is not present. Typically, theconduit 12 is metal, but may include any material capable of directingfluid, withstanding heat from the engine, withstanding turbulence whenthe vehicle is in motion, withstanding pressure from the fluid exchangepump 10, and generally withstanding the environmental conditionsassociated with operation of an internal combustion engine in operation.The conduit 12 may be any appropriate size and shape, and may allowfluid to flow in more than one direction. In certain embodiments, theconduit 12 may be used to puncture the removable cartridge 4.

The container 6 is typically made of metal, but may be made from anymaterial capable of withstanding heat produced by an engine, turbulenceresulting from the vehicle while in motion, and related environmentalconditions associated with an operating internal combustion engine. Thecontainer 6 may be any size and shape capable of enclosing or supportingthe removable cartridge 4.

A lid 14 may be disposed on the container 6 for securely closing orlocking the container 6. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6-7, the lid 14 maybe secured to the container 6 within one or more fastening devices 17such as wing nuts, screws, bolts, clips, and the like. Other means forsecurely closing or locking the container 6, with the removablecartridge 4 disposed therein, may also be used within the scope of thedisclosure.

The at least one removable cartridge 4 is typically made from metal orplastic, but can be made from any substantially fluid-tight, reusablematerial capable of continued use over time. The removable cartridge 4may be any size and shape capable of being disposed in whole, or inpart, inside the container 6 while the fluid management system 2 is inoperation. The removable cartridge 4, container 6, and conduit 12 maycooperate with one another by any appropriate means including, but notlimited to, threads, seals, O-rings, and plugs. The color, shape andsize of the removable cartridge 4 may indicate the type of fluid that ishoused within the removable cartridge 4.

The removable cartridge 4 may also be provided with a filter 16, forexample, as shown in FIG. 1. Where used, the filter 16 may be locatedanywhere in the removable cartridge 4. For example, the filter 16 mayclean used oil pumped into the removable cartridge 4 or new oil thatflows out of the removable cartridge 4, Where the filter 16 is employed,one or more additional pumps (not shown) may also be used to circulateoil through the filter 16, in operation. The filter 16 may be anyappropriate size and shape allowing the filter 16 to be housed in theremovable cartridge 4. In a particular embodiment, the filter 16 has acylindrical porous body filled with a filter medium. The scope of thepresent disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular typeof filter, and other types of filters 16 may also be used.

Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 2, the filter 16 may not be presentin the fluid management system 2. It should be appreciated that the easewith which the used first fluid 7 may be replaced in the fluidmanagement system 2 may facilitate frequent changes. A need for thefilter 16 within the fluid management system 2 of the present disclosureis thereby militated against.

It should be understood that the removable cartridge 4 may need to beremoved from packaging prior to use. In other embodiments, the removablecontainer 6 may not require packaging. The packaging or the removablecartridge 4 may require a key for opening, or may be accessible by hand,for example, by pulling of a lid or twisting off a cap of one of thepackaging and the removable cartridge 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the removable cartridge 4 may include a plugassembly 18. The plug assembly 18 is configured to selectively militateagainst fluid communication between the removable cartridge 4 and theconduit 12. The plug assembly 18 may include a plug 20 coupled to a plughandle 22. An elongate member 24 may be disposed between the plug 20 andthe plug handle 22. The plug assembly 18 allows the operator to open theremovable cartridge 4 to the conduit 12, and thereby permit the transferof the fluid 7 to or from the removable cartridge 4 in operation.

In a particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plug 20 of theplug assembly 18 is configured to selectively seal the first end 13 ofthe conduit 12 when the removable cartridge is in fluid communicationwith the conduit 12. For example, the removable cartridge 4 may have abottom aperture 26 that is defined by an internal threaded portion 28 ofthe removable cartridge 4. The first end 13 of the conduit 12 may bedisposed through the bottom aperture 26. In particular, the first end 13of the conduit 12 may have an external threaded portion 30 thatcooperates with the internal threaded portion 28 defining the bottomaperture 26 of the removable cartridge 4. In other embodiments, thefirst end 13 of the conduit 12 may have an internal threaded femaleportion that cooperates with an external threaded male portion of theremovable cartridge 4 to couple the removable cartridge 4 to the conduit12.

A cartridge handle 32 may be included on the removable cartridge 4 or onthe packaging for the removable cartridge 4. The cartridge handle 32 mayfacilitate a removal or a securing of the removable cartridge 4 to theconduit 12 by the operator. As a nonlimiting example, the cartridgehandle 32 may be disposed adjacent the plug handle 22 at a top of theremovable cartridge 4. It should be appreciated that the operator maycouple the removable cartridge 4 with the conduit 12, for example, byaligning the bottom aperture 26 with the first end 13 of the conduit 12,and manually rotating the removable cartridge 4 using the cartridgehandle 32.

In another particular embodiment, the first end 13 of the conduit 12 isnot threaded, but instead punctures a membrane seal (not shown). Forexample, the membrane seal includes a polymeric membrane or a metallicfoil that is disposed over the bottom aperture 26 of the removablecartridge, for the purpose of placing the conduit 12 in fluidcommunication with the removable cartridge 4. Where the membrane seal isused, the first end 13 of the conduit 12 may be tapered in order tofacilitate the puncturing of the membrane seal when coupling theremovable cartridge 4 with the conduit 12.

Although the use of the cooperating internal and external threadedportions 28, 30, as well as the alternative use of the membrane seal, isdescribed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art may choose othermeans for selectively coupling the removable cartridge 4 with theconduit 12, as desired.

Further referencing FIGS. 3 and 4, the plug 20 is disposed adjacent abottom of the removable cartridge 4, above the bottom aperture 26. Theplug 20 may include a cup 34. The cup 34 depends from and is coupled tothe elongate member 24. In one example, the cup 34 may have a diametergreater than a diameter of the conduit 12, in order to guide the cup 34to cover the first end 13 of the conduit 12 when the cup 34 is movedaxially toward the bottom aperture 26. In another example, the cup 34has a first polymeric seal 36. The first polymeric seal 36 may bedisposed inside of the cup 34. The first polymer seal 36 resilientlydeforms to seal the first end 13 of the conduit 12, and militate againstfluid flow therethrough, when the cup 34 is moved axially toward thebottom aperture 26 (shown in FIG. 3). Likewise, when the cup 34 is movedaxially away from the bottom aperture 26 (shown in FIG. 4), the conduit12 is unsealed to permit fluid flow therethrough.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the elongate member 24 may be disposed througha top aperture 38 formed in the removable cartridge 4. The plug handle22 may be coupled to the elongate member 24 outside of the removablecartridge 4, for example. The top aperture 38 may be defined by aninternal threaded portion 40 of the removable cartridge 4, and mayfurther cooperate with an external threaded portion 42 of the elongatemember 24. Due to the threaded cooperation, it should be appreciatedthat the axial movement of the plug 20, either toward or away from thebottom aperture 26, may be caused by the manual rotation of the plughandle 22 by the operator. The operator may thereby selectively seal andunseal the removable cartridge 4 from the conduit 12, as desired.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid management system 2of the present disclosure may further include a second polymeric seal44. The second polymeric seal 44 is disposed between the base of theremovable cartridge 4 and the bottom of the container 6 when theremovable cartridge 4 is placed within the container 6. In particular,the second polymeric seal 44 is disposed around the first end 3 of theconduit 12, and creates a further substantially fluid-tight seal at thebottom of the container 6 when the removable cartridge 4 threadablyengages the first end 13 of the conduit 12. As a nonlimiting example,the second polymeric seal 44 is an O-ring. Other types of seals may alsobe used for the second polymer seal 44, as desired.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fluid management system 2 may be provided in thevehicle having an engine 8.1, a transmission 8.2, and a radiator 8.3,each of which representing the fluid reservoir 8 according to thepresent disclosure. The fluid management system 2 may therefore includea bank 46 having a plurality of removable cartridges 4. The bank 46 maylikewise include a plurality of containers 6 for holding the removablecartridges 4.

The bank 46 of removable cartridges 4 is in fluid communication witheach of the engine 8.1, the transmission 8.2, and the radiator 8.3 ofthe vehicle by a plurality of conduits 12. Each of the engine 8.1, thetransmission 8.2, and the radiator 8.3 may have the fluid exchange pump10 associated therewith, in fluid communication with the conduits 12.The conduits 12 facilitate the selective transfer of used oil, usedtransmission fluid, and used engine coolant, respectively, to empty onesof the removable cartridges 4 in the bank 46. The operator may selectindividual ones of the fluid exchange pumps 10 to actuate through use ofsingle or multiple controllers 11 in electrical communication with thefluid exchange pumps 10.

Referring to FIG. 9, the removable cartridges 4 may be available from aremovable cartridge supply station 48, 50, 52. For example, theremovable cartridge supply station 48, 50, 52 may permit a retail storeor a vehicle service station to provide the removable cartridges 4 forindividual sale. The removable supply station 48, 50, 52 may have adispensing bin 54 through which a new removable cartridge 4 is retrievedupon purchase, and a used cartridge bin 56 into which the removablecartridge 4 having the used fluid 7 after a replacement may be depositedfor collection by the provider of the cartridge supply station 48, 50,52.

The removable cartridge supply station 48, 50, 52 may require a vehicleowner or a service technician to insert payment and/or select a specificremovable cartridge 4 containing a desired fluid type. The removablecartridge 4 may be returned to the same, or a different, removablecartridge supply station after use. The supply station 48, 50, 52 may belocated at a gas station, service station, grocery store, automobilestore, car dealership, or any other location convenient for vehicleowners and service technicians.

One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that extra removablecartridges 4 may also be stored under the hood of the vehicle, asdesired.

In operation, the fluid management system 2 reduces a number ofremovable cartridges 4 that are thrown away and, as such, offers a moreenvironmentally-friendly alternative to prior art systems and methodsfor changing vehicle fluids. The filter 16, where included in theremovable cartridge 4, may also be reusable.

It should be understood that the removable cartridge 4 may be providedempty, for example, prior to the transfer of the used fluid 7 from thefluid reservoir 8, or may include the fluid 7, for example, prior to thetransfer of new fluid 7 to the fluid reservoir 8. A temperature of thefluid 7 in the removable cartridge 4 may also be regulated, in order tokeep the fluid desirably warm or cool. A gauge (not shown) may be incommunication with the removable cartridge 4 to indicate the amount ofthe fluid 7 in the removable cartridge 4. The removable cartridge 4 mayalso include instructions (not shown) regarding a distance or an amountof time the vehicle may travel before a next fluid change isrecommended.

Advantageously, the fluid management system 2 of the present disclosureallows vehicle owners to change their vehicle fluid without schedulingan appointment or dropping off the vehicle, because the fluid managementmay be easily performed by the vehicle owner. The fluid managementsystem 2 does not require additional tools, nor does it require that thevehicle be lifted off the ground. Service technicians using the fluidmanagement system 2 also benefit from an improved efficiency inreplacing used fluids of the vehicle with new fluids.

The fluid management system 2 is also spatially efficient. Both theempty and full removable cartridges 6 may be placed in a same container6. This eliminates the additional space necessary in prior art systems,in which separate removable cartridges 6 require separate containers 4.Furthermore, the conduit 12 through which the used fluid 7 is pumped tothe empty removable cartridge 4 is the same conduit 12 through which thenew fluid 7 flows back into the fluid reservoir 8. Accordingly, skilledartisans should appreciate that the fluid management system 2 does notrequire different conduits 12 for the transfer of the different used andnew fluids 7.

As shown in FIG. 10, the present disclosure includes a method 100 formanaging the fluid 7 of the vehicle. In one method of the disclosure,the vehicle is parked on a level service and the vehicle's engine isturned off. The vehicle and the vehicle's fluids are then permitted tocool, if necessary, prior to replacing the vehicle fluids 7.

In step 102, an empty removable cartridge 4 is provided. The emptyremovable cartridge 4 may be under the hood of the vehicle after aprevious fluid change, or purchased from a removable cartridge supplystation 48, 50, 52 as described hereinabove. In step 104, the emptyremovable cartridge 4 is placed in the container 6. The container 6 mayinclude the lid 14 that must be removed prior to placing the emptyremovable cartridge 4 inside the container 6. In step 106, the fluidexchange pump 10 in fluid communication with the conduit 12 is engaged.In step 108, the fluid exchange pump 10 transfer the used fluid 7 fromthe fluid reservoir 8, through the conduit 12, and into the emptyremovable cartridge 4. The used fluid 7 may pass through the filter 16,where provided in the removable cartridge 4. The fluid exchange pump 10is disengaged once substantially all of the used fluid 7 has beentransferred into the removable cartridge 4.

In step 110, the empty removable cartridge 4 is then removed from thecontainer 6, and the new removable cartridge 4 containing the new fluid7 is placed in the container 6, thereby replacing the removablecartridge 4 that had been filled with the used fluid 7. The newremovable cartridge 4 may be purchased from the removable cartridgesupply station 48, 50, 52, as a nonlimiting example. In step 112, thenew fluid 7 is permitted to gravity flow from the new removablecartridge 4, through the conduit 12, and into the fluid reservoir 8. Thefluid 7 of the vehicle is thereby replaced using the fluid managementsystem 2 of the disclosure.

The new removable cartridge 4 may be removed from the container 6 orleft under the hood of the vehicle for future use, as desired. The lid14 of the container 6 may also be replaced. The vehicle engine may thenbe turn on to check for fluid leaks, prior to use. The old removablecartridge 4 and the used fluid are then returned to the removablecartridge supply station, where the used fluid may be tested ordiscarded. The old removable cartridge 4 may be emptied and restockedwith new fluid for a future fluid change.

Advantageously, the fluid management system 2 of the present disclosureis simple, and permits vehicle owners and technicians to easily replacethe fluid 7 used in most vehicles. The fluid management system is alsospatially efficient and environmentally friendly, as establishedhereinabove.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown forpurposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in thefollowing appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid management system for a vehicle,comprising: a removable cartridge configured to hold one of a firstfluid and a second fluid, the removable cartridge in fluid communicationwith a fluid reservoir via a conduit, a first end of the conduit influid communication with the removable cartridge, and a second end ofthe conduit in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the conduitalso in fluid communication with a fluid exchange pump, wherein theremovable cartridge includes a plug disposed inside of a filter withinthe removable cartridge and configured to selectively seal and unsealthe first end of the conduit when the removable cartridge is in fluidcommunication with the conduit, the first fluid selectively transferablefrom the fluid reservoir through the conduit to the removable cartridgeby an actuation of the fluid exchange pump, and the second fluidselectively permitted to flow from the removable cartridge through theconduit to the fluid reservoir,
 2. The fluid management system of claim1, wherein the second fluid is selectively permitted to gravity flow tothe fluid reservoir.
 3. The fluid management system of claim 1, whereinthe second fluid is selectively permitted to flow by the actuation ofthe fluid exchange pump to the fluid reservoir.
 4. The fluid managementsystem of claim 1, wherein the removable cartridge has a bottom aperturedefined by an internal threaded portion and the first end of the conduithas an external threaded portion, the internal threaded portion of theremovable cartridge cooperating with the external threaded portion ofthe first end of the conduit to selectively couple the removablecartridge with the conduit.
 5. The fluid management system of claim 1,wherein the removable cartridge the plug has a raised portion configuredto cooperate with an interior of the conduit, and the plug is coupled toa plug handle with an elongate member.
 6. The fluid management system ofclaim 5, wherein the plug is adjacent a bottom of the removablecartridge and the plug handle is adjacent a top of the removablecartridge.
 7. The fluid management system of claim 6, wherein the plugincludes a cup having a diameter greater than a diameter of the conduit,a first polymeric seal disposed inside of the cup and defining theraised portion of the plug, the cup coupled to the elongate member. 8.The fluid management system of claim 6, wherein the removable cartridgefurther includes a cartridge handle disposed adjacent the plug handle.9. The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the removablecartridge is disposed in a container, the first end of the conduitdisposed through a base of the container.
 10. The fluid managementsystem of claim 9, wherein the container is mounted in the vehicle. 11.The fluid management system of claim 9, further including a secondpolymeric seal disposed between the removable cartridge and the base ofthe container, the second polymeric seal disposed around the first endof the conduit.
 12. The fluid management system of claim 11, wherein thesecond polymeric seal is an O-ring.
 13. The fluid management system ofclaim 1, wherein the removable cartridge includes a filter.
 14. Thefluid management system of claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoir is oneof an engine oil pan, a transmission fluid pan, and a radiator.
 15. Thefluid management system of claim 1, further including a controller inelectrical communication with the fluid exchange pump and permitting theselective actuation of the fluid exchange pump.
 16. A method formanaging fluid in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:providing a first removable cartridge; placing the first removablecartridge in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir of the vehiclevia a conduit, a first end of the conduit in fluid communication withthe first removable cartridge, and a second end of the conduit in fluidcommunication with the fluid reservoir, the conduit also in fluidcommunication with a fluid exchange pump; engaging the fluid exchangepump to transfer a first fluid from the fluid reservoir, through theconduit, and into the first removable cartridge; replacing the firstremovable cartridge with a second removable cartridge, the secondremovable cartridge including a second fluid; and permitting the newfluid to flow from the second removable cartridge, through the conduit,and into the fluid reservoir, wherein each of the first removablecartridge and the second removable cartridge includes a plug disposedinside of a filter and configured to selectively seal the first end ofthe conduit during normal operation of the vehicle and unseal the firstend of the conduit during the steps of engaging the fluid exchange pumpto transfer the first fluid and permitting the new fluid to flow fromthe second removable cartridge.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thefluid reservoir is one of an engine oil pan, a transmission fluid pan,and a radiator.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the removablecartridge includes a filter for filtering the first fluid during thetransfer of the first fluid from the fluid reservoir, through theconduit, and into the first removable cartridge.